Master Class: How to Wear Hair Accessories

"Hair accessories have gotten a bad rap from people who don't know how to wear them," says Eva Scrivo of New York City's Eva Scrivo Salon. As the mercury rises and chic hair baubles heat up the runways — from outsize bows at Marc by Marc Jacobs to understated crimson barrettes at 3.1 Phillip Lim — learn to don headbands, pins, and clips without looking like a Gossip Girl reject.In the market for a new do? Use our virtual hairstyle makeover tool for a new you today!

Step 1: A Solid Base

Step 1: A Solid Base

Don't think of a hair accessory as a lazy alternative to styling. "Just because you're wearing a clip or band doesn't mean you don't have to do anything else," warns Scrivo. Instead, pull your strands back into a ponytail or chignon first. If you prefer to wear your hair down, tease the crown to add height. Avoid slippery, silicone-based serums when styling so that your accoutrements stay in place.